New Video Commemorates the Unveiling of
Asheville's Black Cultural Heritage Trail
Experience the Community Celebration of Black Asheville Heritage

A new video by Slay The Mic Media captures the unveiling ceremony of Asheville's Black Cultural Heritage Trail (BCHT), commemorating the dignity, humanity, and agency of Black people who fostered social change in Asheville. The video highlights the unveiling of the first trail marker, a celebration at Black Wall Street AVL, and community leaders' remarks, which emphasize the importance of sharing stories that honor the rich cultural heritage of Black communities in Asheville.

We invite you to watch the video, follow the trail, and discover how the resilience and contributions of Black communities have shaped Asheville and Buncombe County. 

Watch the BCHT Unveiling Ceremony
Explore The Black Asheville Experience
Celebrate Asheville's Black-Owned Businesses & Black Leaders

Discover the soul of Asheville during Black History Month and beyond! Explore The Black Asheville Experience landing page, spotlighting Asheville's Black culture. Don't miss this curated list of Black-owned businesses by Aisha Adams, a local influencer who champions social change and courageous disruptors.

Self-identify your business as Black-owned on the Explore Asheville Extranet for a special banner and inclusion in the Black-owned search filter. For assistance, read this guide or contact Partnership Coordinator Shelby Pearsall.

The Black Asheville Experience Landing Page
New Flier Connects Locals & Visitors with Black Asheville
Share Our Communities' Diverse Experiences with Your Guests

Connect your guests with the vibrant culture of Black Asheville by offering this new flier at your business. Featuring a QR code that links to The Black Asheville Experience landing page, it showcases experiences from exploring Black-owned businesses to walking the Black Cultural Heritage Trail.

Easy to download and perfect for checkout areas or front desks, this resource is a convenient tool for partners to link their guests with experiences that celebrate the rich and diverse culture of our community. Download, print, and display today!

Download Flier PDF
Thank You for Joining Us at The Year Ahead
Cheers to a Successful Partner Gathering at the New Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown

Explore Asheville’s second annual The Year Ahead event convened nearly 400 local leaders and hospitality partners, recognized the 2023 Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) project recipients, hosted five industry panelists to share updates on new happenings and offerings, and honored five industry leaders with Explore Asheville Superstar Awards:

  • Sheriff Quentin Miller, Buncombe County Sherriff's Department
  • Chief Michael Lamb, Asheville Police Department
  • J Chong, J Chong Eats
  • Reggie Tidwell, Curve Theory
  • Jack Benton, Parks Hospitality Group

We would like to extend a special thanks to the new Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown, DJs Phantom Pantone and Mereset, and Indulge Images who made the success of this event possible.

View The Year Ahead Photo Album
Now Accepting Orders for March Shipments of Visitor Guides
Order Now and Receive Guides by Second Week of March

Order Visitor Guides by March 1 for direct delivery to your business between March 11–15. Can't make this month's schedule? You can always pick up a box at the Asheville Visitor Center, 36 Montford Ave.

Order the 2024 Visitor Guide

Last Chance to Advertise Your Business to SoCon Attendees

The Southern Conference (SoCon) Basketball Championships will return to Asheville March 7–11. Engage sports fans by offering a special Deals listing on SoConSports.com.

Click here for instructions on adding a coupon on the Explore Asheville Extranet. Don't forget to use the coupon category SoCon Deals. Need help? Contact us at services@exploreasheville.com.
Warm Welcome to Our Newest Partners
     We Are Delighted to Shine a Light on Your Creativity
Approaching DEI with Intention and Action

Join the Outdoor Business Alliance and Camber Outdoors March 13, 5:30–8 p.m. at The Mule at Devil's Foot Beverage for an event designed to spark action, empower, and equip participants with the tools to foster an inclusive and equitable outdoor industry. Registration is free and the event is made possible through the REI Cooperative Action Fund.

The monthly meeting of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) will take place Feb. 28
at 9 a.m. in the Board Room at the offices of Explore Asheville. All board meetings are open to the public, and the agenda will be posted 48 hours in advance. Following the meeting, all materials will be posted here.

EXPLORE ASHEVILLE'S STRATEGIC PILLARS
Delivering Balanced Recovery & Sustainable Growth | Encouraging Safe & Responsible Travel |
Engaging & Inviting More Diverse Audiences | Promoting & Supporting Asheville's Creative Spirit

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